Mindfulness meditation can have the effect of taming the mind.

The idea is that if we use meditation to work with our mind, we'll gain some tranquility and stability, which will make our life much more positive and workable. In fact, these qualities will increase our ability to benefit ourselves and others.

So what is this "mindfulness" meditation?

The original instructions on mindfulness, specifically state that one must begin by focusing the attention on the breathing. So we sit, watching the air going in and out of our noses. At first glance, this seems an exceedingly odd and useless procedure. The first question we might ask is: why have any focus of attention at all? We are, after all, trying to develop awareness. Why not just sit down and be aware of whatever happens to be present in the mind? It is because the mind is tricky. Thought is an inherently complicated procedure. By that we mean that we become trapped, wrapped up, and stuck in the thought chain. One thought leads to another which leads to another, and another, and another, and so on. Fifteen minutes later we suddenly wake up and realize we spent that whole time stuck in a daydream or a set of worries.

The difference between being aware of the thought and thinking the thought is very real. But it is extremely subtle and difficult to see. Concentration is one of the tools needed to be able to see this difference. Deep concentration has the effect of slowing down the thought process and speeding up the awareness viewing it. The result is the enhanced ability to examine the thought process. Concentration is our microscope for viewing subtle internal states. We use the focus of attention to achieve one-pointedness of mind with calm and constantly applied attention. Without a fixed reference point you get lost, overcome by the ceaseless waves of change flowing round and round within the mind.

Benefits of Meditation

Calming meditations are deep concentration states, culminating in one-pointed attention, usually devoid of all sensory awareness or mental flow, though also able to entertain with great stability a fixed picture or even a full environment. They produce marked physical effects, and equip the mind with tremendous fitness and fluency in executing whatever tasks it addresses. When health researchers note and study effects of meditation, they are almost always referring to calming, one-pointed, thought-free meditation, such as "mindfulness meditation". As we mentioned at the beginning, anyone can benefit from meditation, no matter what their physical or spiritual background may be. If we practice meditation regularly, we will gradually find ourselves becoming more calm and mindful. We will also respond more skillfully to ourselves, to others, and to situations in our life. This obviously leads to less stress in our lives and overall better wellbeing.

Connect with us

Santa Fe College is committed to an environment that embraces diversity, respects the rights of all individuals, is open and accessible, and is free of harassment and discrimination. For more information, visit sfcollege.edu/eaeo.